Overview
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and containers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial from the genus Agapanthus, commonly known as African lily. It grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered positions. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels, favouring moist but well-drained conditions. 'Dark Silk' is notable for its interest during both summer and winter seasons.
About the genus
Agapanthus is a genus of plants, the only one in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the family Amaryllidaceae. The subfamily was formerly treated as a separate family, Agapanthaceae. The family is in the monocot order Asparagales.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agapanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus 'Dark Silk'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water regularly during dry periods.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Dark Silk'?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water regularly during dry periods.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Dark Silk'?
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' need?
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus 'Dark Silk'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
How big does Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' grow?
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Dark Silk' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agapanthus 'Dark Silk'?
Division, Root cuttings.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily